Kentucky Fire Stands up to Indiana ODP

Normally we avoid games on Sunday, but with two other boys leaving early from the tournament for a school preview, Robert and I decided it would be appropriate to be there for the team.  His first game of the day was at 11:00 am.  Today was supposed to be a nice 72 degrees, but it was barely 50.  Robert started this game as a midfielder.  Going into the game we didn't know what to expect.  They beat the team we played first 5-0 and we only beat them 1-0, but we had 20 missed shots.  After about 3 minutes of rough pushing and shoving, the game settled down and the Kentucky Fire took control.

Robert again was very good at receiving and distributing the ball to other teammates.  Here he broke up a Indiana pass and distributed the ball to Henry.  

Robert loves playing soccer.  He will go all out, like here for this header.  He'll go up against someone bigger than him without hesitation.  We were playing against the Indiana U14 ODP (Olympic Development Team).  They had scored the first goal with a little help from a gust of wind.  We were playing beautifully and scored a goal, getting it back, but the wind was with us, so we knew we'd need a few for security.

Conner scoring on a free kick

There was a foul and Conner took the shot.  As they are setting up I yelled out to Conner, "I'll give you a dollar if you hit the back left corner.  Actually I buy you a milk shake if you hit the back corner."  And wouldn't you know it, he shot the ball exactly where I told him to put it and we scored our second goal of the game.  2-1.

staying connected and following the action

After that the boys confidence went up and we just kept scoring.  The score went to 3-1 …

stealing the ball

4-1 …

Robert coming up with the ball even though he was fouled

and 5-1 before we did the same thing we did in the last game.  In the last 30 seconds of the game our defense mis-read a ball and the other team took advantage of it scoring another goal.  Final score 5-2.

By winning this game we are undefeated and advance to the Championship game.  The game ended at 12: 35 - the next game is scheduled for 3:30 pm, but the managers decided to push it up to 2:00 pm - meaning we have to be back at the field by 1:30.  That only gave the boys 1 hour to get some lunch (light lunch) and be back on the field for another game.  UGH!!!